Here we are 6 months to the day I started writing this. Ever since I had actually started to Quarantine in late Feb. I had this story bouncing around in my head. It just would not go away. I thought about it. I figured various aspects out. All the way to then end. Finally 4 months later I couldn't take it so on June 4th I started banging away at the keyboard. I had no idea what I was doing. I had never written a story in my life. Not like this. I figured 20 maybe 30 chapters and I would be done. It would be out of my head and I could go back to normal. Well as you can see. 6 months in and I am posting Chapter 119 today. I am not done. Thank You everyone that has been with me from the beginning and Thank you to all the new readers. I hope I have entertained you all through these dark times.


"Grah!" Drannor bellowed from his bed chamber. "GRAH!" When Grah entered he found his Lord pacing and looking angered.

"What is it My Lord?" He asked in a calm tone. Then began to pick up the multitude of clothing that had been strewn about the bed chamber.

"I am being summoned." Drannor said and continued to pace.

Grah paused what he was doing to study his Lord for a moment. Then dropped the clothing on a chair. "Why does this anger you? You knew he would do this once he realized the elf King was on the move."

"I did I did." He waved his hand then collapsed among the clothing in the chair. "I had hoped to have time to see her. At least once before I went to make war against her."

Grah began to laugh. He shook his head. "I would advise you against that My Lord. She is currently very well protected and while Minol is not your enemy per say he would be forced to defend her if you just showed up."

Drannor grinned a bit. "You are so correct." He hummed a bit and got that devious look to his amber eyes. Grah knew that look well and sighed.

The sun had finally reappeared. Though the day was cold it was not so bitter. Because of this Thranduil had ordered the stop for the mid day meal a bit early and had plans to not start again until a bit late. The fae were on fur blankets near a warm fire. Their faces lifted up to the sun. It was the first time he had seen either of them smile in weeks.

A river rushed not far off. He did not know the name of this river. Yet he was told a way across it was just a few days away. Many elves, men and orc were busy filling water barrels during their long break and many horses were being lead there to drink. He had even taken his own horse down a slightly steep path to the rivers edge to drink.

Shadow and Shade returned quickly to Ryu. They the first to sound the alarm. One staying with the Fae the other finding Legolas. "Wargs. Wargs are coming." Legolas had the horns blown.

Thranduil stood by the waters edge and when the sound of the horns reached his ears all those gathered began to abandon their tasks . There was however a bottle neck formed at the steep path . He abandoned his horse and scaled the cliff with ease.

His feet meeting the ground at the top His eyes widen to see a scene of chaos. They were being over run by wargs. He growls and unsheathes both swords and begins to make his way towards the carriage.

"Hurry both of you back to the carriage." Legolas was ushering the fae back to the safest place for them. Over head he heard the flap of Minol's wings then in seconds a warg was nearly on them. They heard the pain filled cry of the warg as Minol swooped down to grab it then tossed it down to the ground hard.

Juniper reached the steps to the carriage first and had made it inside. Ryu several feet behind . Juniper watched as Shadow suddenly pushed Ryu away then threw their arms around a large warg. "RYU!" She screamed and as she prepared to bring forth Rowena the carriage horses were finally unable to hold and broke into a wild run. Throwing Juniper to the back of the carriage. Her head slammed against the edge of the seats.

Minol saw the carriage being pulled wildly across the plain. He spun in the air and began to dive for it. There was shadow on the ground under him. It was not his own. It was massive . He turned his body just in time to throw his arms and legs up to block the attack .

He hitting the ground hard. Growling as he looked up it was another of the dark beasts the dark lord had created. A winged chimera. The smell of it told Minol it had once been a vulture. Yet now it was enormous. Four clawed legs, the vultures head the body was unidentifiable and the head of a fanged serpent. "Two heads?" Minol groaned and pushed himself up.

He watched as the beast began to circle the carriage as it continued on its erratic route. With the mighty flap of his wings He took off. His hands grabbing a pike from a fallen warrior. He was spotted by the beast and it began to climb and so did he . So high they both disappeared into the incoming clouds.

He was just one of the first orc in her army. He was carrying a large barrel of water when the attack began. He fought with only his fists then anything he could get his hands on. His eyes followed the carriage as it began to approach where he was . The humans and elves chasing it were all being waylaid by the wargs. He turned and began to run for it . Planning to cut it off before it went over the cliff.

He could run faster than elves and humans. He was stronger than they as well. With a mighty leap he was on the side of the wagon and climbing to the top . He fell but was able to hold on. Scrambling to find his footing he finds it and begins to make his way towards the front. His hope was to be able to take the reigns and stop the horses.

The cliff was very close. Hanging over the edge he reached for the reigns that were on their hook at the seat. His long powerful arm stretching . He looked up and saw the edge. Then scoot back and held on . The horses tried to stop on their own once they saw the cliff but the weight of the carriage pushed them over. He lost consciousness for a moment but came too as soon as the cold water was on him.

Then they were floating for the moment but the flow was water was picking up speed. The carriage then hit a a large rock in the water and began to shift to its side. He crawled with it and found himself on the side with the door. He looked in and saw her . She was not moving and the water was rising within .

He climbed inside and very carefully took the small Queen into his massive arms. The ride was becoming very rough now. The carriage banging against the debris of the river. More cracks began to form in the walls and more water was coming in. With her held protectively in his arms he climbs back outside. There were wargs on the bank. Following the river and watching them. He looked to the opposite side. They were hitting the rapids . He waited as long as he could and finally chose where to make his jump for it . A pile of logs that were trapped against several boulders.

He jumped. The logs would not hold for long he knew this and he kept telling himself he was powerful he was strong and he was her only hope. He managed to power he way to the slick surface of the boulders as the logs finally gave way and began to flow down the rapids. He stood there on the boulder and few more minutes and watched and the carriage and the logs were battered along the rapids.

The cries of the wargs urged him on . He left the boulder and went to the bank. The wargs unable to cross the rapids. He climbed the cliff with relative ease and disappeared into the thin scattering of the trees on the other side.

Minol climbs higher and higher until he comes out over the clouds. The beast he battled so large it could not even hide well within them. Once he caught sight if the dark shape he pointed the pike downwards and began to dive down for the beast. As he neared it the serpents head twisted and turned and came at him . Snapping his fanged mouth at him . He shifted to the left and cut it along the side of its mouth .

The head recoiled in pain and now the large beak of the vulture head was snapping at him . He spun to the right and now with a swipe of the pikes blade he left a gash across the back of the naked head . The beast was turning to face him and he began to climb again . the beast following him and breaking through the tops of the clouds.

Finnola was surrounded by wargs and she could not unleash the full power of the drangonsfang on them. There were far too many allies in close proximity. She was battling towards the runaway carriage when she was set upon by the biggest warg she had ever seen. As if they couldn't get any worse this one was twisted and mutated. The drool that dripped from its mouth sizzled and ate holes in the ground before it .

Her lips twitched as she began to spin the dragonsfang over her head. She may not be able to use it fully but she could still use it . A wind began to pick up on the plains as she faced the beast . Several of the orc arrived to help her. They charging the beast from the sides. She was dodging the beasts attacks. It's claws swiping out at her . She danced out of the way . Another set swiping out at her she danced again and she thrust the spear towards its head and landed a blow against its jowls.

The warg screamed and lifted up to its full height. a Good 15 feet tall . Her head tilted back to look on it. It threw its head to the side and down . Hitting one of the orc sending him flying with smoking burns on his arms. Its head flung the other way yet missing it's target. The three remaining orc sank their blades into the beasts sides distracting it as the wind grew and she was able to charge it full on .

As its head lifted to try and attack the ones causing it pain in its sides she thrust the spear up. The force of the air entering it's neck and coming out of the top of its head. Exploding its skull and sending a rain of black blood and brain matter falling around her . The beast fell before her and she looked to the 3 orc who had helped and nodded to them before she took off running for where she had seen the carriage go.

The battle in the sky continued on . Minol finding it difficult to land a killing blow upon this dark beast. The hide at its neck and on its body was too tough of the blade to pierce deeply and when he attacked one head the other came to the defense. He was winded and bleeding when he realized what he must do. Though it was going to hurt him badly to do so. He managed to break away and climb higher before the beast realized where he had gone .

He then sent himself into a dive the pike pointed down before him . Using all his strength he picked up speed . The blade pierced the beast right between the shoulders. It began to struggle but his momentum was great. Down through the clouds that had begun to spill their rain on the ground. The sight of this massive beast being pushed to the ground caught the attention of many that had been fighting the wargs whos numbers had greatly thinned.

Even a black blood stained Thranduil watched. Closer and closer they got to the ground below. Then the beast hit the ground so hard it send a cloud of dirt and rocks flying high into the air despite the rain. The ground shook with the impact and the sound was louder than the thunder.

Feren and Thranduil were among the first the arrive at the impact site. The air being cleared by the rain. In the shallow crater lay the body of the two headed beast. The pike finally sinking in and piercing its heart . Laying atop of it was a very battered and unmoving Minol.

Celeborn soon joined them and he looked down with wide eyes at the scene. He leapt down onto the top of the beast and lifted Minol into his arms. "He is still alive." He called out. "Hurry and help me get him to the healers." Humans, elves and orc helped bring Minol up and then carried him quickly away.

Finnola and the orc that had helped her followed the tracks of the carriage as fast as they could before the rain washed them away. Soon they came to the edge of the cliff and they all stared down to the water below. Lightening crashed overhead and the thunder rumbled around them.

"I do not see any wreckage." One of the orc said. "It must have gone down stream." Said another. "I saw Narl chasing it." The other said.

Finnola looked to these 3. "Then she is not alone."

"Narl is mighty." One of them said. "He is stronger than the 3 of us."

They turned towards the sound of horses coming up behind them. Finnola looked to Thranduil. Her gaze told him what had happened. He dismounted and ran to the cliffs edge and looked down. "She is alive I can feel her." He said softly then he looked to Feren. "She is out there. Get as many of the best trackers as you can ."

"She is not alone My King." The one who had been speaking to Finnola said. " I am Hock and she is with my brother Narl. He will die to protect her."

"Let's hope it does not come to that Hock." Thranduil said to him.

"We will start looking now My King. We know how to find our own. Narl will not leave traces. He will hide. " Hock explained and Thranduil nodded.

Ryu huddled inside one of the tents. Shadow and Shade on either side of her. Legolas entered and couched down before her. He took her small hands into his . " Juniper is missing." He said softly. "The carriage went over a cliff and into the river. There is an orc with her. They are looking for her now."

Ryu closed her eyes and began to sob. The tears poured down her cheeks and Legolas pulled her to his chest. "I am going out with the trackers. We will find her. I promise." He looked to Shadow and Shade. "You will take care of her, Understand." They nodded to him.

He leaned her back and held her shaking shoulders. "We will find her Ryu." He said before rising and leaving the tent.

Narl had found a small dry cave formed in the craggy rocks around the river. He managed to get wood for a fire before it got too wet. He was beginning to shiver and he knew she was much colder than he. He reached into the pouch on his belt and pulled out his fire stones. With a few claps of them he had a spark. It fell onto the dry moss he had managed to get.

He blew gently upon it and soon a little flame began to grow. It took a bit of work but he was able to get a warm fire going. He looked to her laying on the floor of the cave. She was shivering and still not awake. He began to undress her . he pulled her cloak off and wrung the water from it before laying it out over a few stones near the fire.

She was wearing a shiny mail dress under the cloak. He gently slipped it off then her soaking dress. He wring the water from it as well and lay it out to dry. He set her boots by the fire then began to undress himself.

He sat naked by the fire and held her against him. His arms wrapped around her. His hands rubbing at her flesh to try and warm it as quickly as he could. The bleeding gash on her head had finally stopped and there was blood crusting in her golden hair. His brothers would come looking. He hoped they would find him soon.

He began to doze a bit . Every time his head would lower he would lift it quickly. The light was beginning to fade outside . He reached over and tossed more wood on the fire. When he looked up He saw a dark figure in the caves opening. He set the Queen down and rose . In his hand a large log .

The figure stepped inside and pushed his hood back . His eyes were like the flames of the fire and Narl locked his own eyes on them. "Do sit down first orc I am not here to harm either of you." The man said and Narl much to his own surprise found he could not disobey this command. "Good now just sit there and be silent." He said and Narl obeys.

Drannor smiled as he neared her. He lowered down and pulled her naked form to him. "I am sorry my dear. I did hope to have this meeting in a different way." He spoke to her softly and caressed her head as her hair began to turn silver. He lay his hand over her wound and closed his eyes. He inhaled deeply in a gasp, then when he opened his eyes she began to stir.

He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead and then she opened her eyes and looked at him . She didn't struggle nor try to get away from him. Her small hand lifted and pressed to his cheek. He smiled to her and just held her. His body so warm. His touch radiating that heat through her. "I apologize for meeting like this. I did not intend for you to become injured. I had to see you again. Just once more before I go to my Master."

Her fingers caressed over his cheek then down to the line of his jaw. "I suppose my obsession matches my teachers now. You must know something before I go. When you see me again. I may appear as your enemy but no matter what I do just know truly I am not. I am on your side. Right to the end. " He looked to the caves opening and sighed. "Well our time was much shorter than I would have liked. With one hand he removed his cloak and wrapped her in it. It was dry and warm. He placed her down then rose.

"Remember my words. I know you can see the truth in them." He said and disappeared into the darkness outside. As soon as he was gone Narl could move again . He quickly scooped her up and held her again. When he looked to her she was smiling to him.

"Who was that?" Narl asked her.

She just smiled. "A friend from the other side. You are Narl son of Tarl. I see your heart. You are my savior. Thank you."

He held her closer then. "You're Welcome my Queen."

It was Legolas that came first into the cave. Followed by Finnola. Finnola took the Queen into her arms and cried as she held her. Legolas looked on the orc that had saved her and nodded. He had been on of the ones to have issue with orc in their army but he had none of those feelings now.

Elthian waited beside the King. His arm in a sling. Having dislocated his shoulder in the battle and spending a good portion of it fighting with one arm. He had been across the camp dealing with a small issue, one he had volunteered for when the attack occurred. The line he lead had been pivotal in the destruction on a large amount of wargs.

The trackers were returning with the Queen. They watched them coming into the camp. His son along side Finnola and in her arms was the Queen. Finnola passed the small bundle to the King with care. He looked to them. The trackers and then the 4 orc that gone as well.

"Please stay near by. I wish to speak with you." He said to the orc. Then bowed his head to them before turning on his heels and disappearing into a tent with the Queen.

The orc looked at each other in surprise. Finnola grinned. "Come on lets get some food and something hot to drink." She lightly punched Hock in the shoulder and turned to move away. The others followed but Narl lingered for a moment. It was Hock calling him that finally had him turning away.

Celeborn waited for them within the Kings tent. Ryu was there as well. Thranduil gently lowered her down to sit on the edge of the bed. Thranduil now noticed the cloak she was wrapped in. It was not hers and it was far too small to be the orc's. It was red and orange in color and as finely crafted as anything the elves produced.

Celeborn was nudging Thranduil out of the way. "Let me see to her cousin." Thranduil finally moved and Celeborn crouched down. She had a few minor bruises and scrapes that seemed to already be healing. When he examined her head he found the dried blood but no wound. Which was perplexing.

"Well you don't appear to be in peril." Celeborn said with a smile to her. "I suppose we will let Ryu get you cleaned up now. I think if I don't let her near you she will come out of her skin." He rose and turned towards the King who was slipping out of the tent right before Celeborn.

Legolas waited for them just outside along with Elthian. Celeborn shook his head and shrugged. "Her injuries are very minor. The bruises and scrapes are already healing. Even for her that it fast. The most concerning thing is there was obviously a nasty head wound but its not there at all. Not even a sign of it on her flesh but there is dried blood in her hair. "

Thranduil looked to his son. "Who was there when you found her?"

"It was she and the orc ada no one else."

"The cloak she was in was not hers and I doubt it was the orcs." Thranduil said lowly.

Elthian said not a word as he turned and began to walk towards the bulk of the camp.

"Where are you going?" Thranduil asked.

"I am going to talk to the orcs." He said before stopping. "Are you coming?"

The 4 elves moved towards the tent the orcs and Finnola were occupying. They were drinking from large bowls when the elves entered. They were about to rise but Thranduil stopped them with a shake of his head .

"I wanted to personally thank the 4 of you for seeing that she returned safely." Thranduil spoke before having a seat in an empty chair. "What are your names?"

"One of them spoke. I am Hock you met me by the river. These 2 pups are Krugge and Grugge." He motioned to the younger of them. They were obviously twins. Thranduil nodded to them. "This is Narl." He slapped a hand against the wide shoulder of the largest of the 4. "He is the one that stayed with the Queen. If you mean to praise anyone He is the one that deserves it."

All the elven eyes were now on Narl. Finnola got to her feet. "Come on you lot lets leave them to it. It seems they wish to speak to Narl. Lets go get some beer."

"I wont argue about beer." Hock said and got up the twins rose as well. Soon they were out of the tent leaving Narl with the elves.

"Please tell us what happened after you got out of the water Narl." The King said gently but noted the uncomfortable look in the orcs eyes.

"She was freezing. She was soaking wet and I knew I had to get her some place safe and dry. I found a cave and managed to get wood before the rain soaked it all too badly. I started a fire then disrobed her. I promise I did not do anything unseemly my Lord." Narl said quickly.

Thranduil shook his head. " I did not believe you had Narl."

"You did the right thing Narl. You had to get her warm as quick as you could." Celeborn told him gently.

"The wound on her head had finally stopped bleeding but she did not wake up. This worried me and I hoped my brothers would find me quickly." He sighed then and placed the bowl down on the table. "Then he came."

"Who?" Thranduil ask in nearly a whisper and Narl leaned closer. He seemed to just know what he was about to say should not be spoken of with ease.

"He was like fire made flesh. I went to defend but he looked me in the eyes and I could not disobey him. He was very fair by your standards I would even say by ours. I could not look away. He told me to sit and be silent and I was. Everything in me screamed this is evil but he did not behave as evil. He wrapped her in his cloak and warmed her in an instant. He healed her head and when she woke up she was gentle with him. He told her that when the time came it would appear as if he were the enemy but she would know he was not. That he was always on her side. Then he left and I could move again. I held her until help arrived."

Thranduil sat in stunned silence and just stared at the orc. This made him look down.

"Have you spoken of this to anyone?" Celeborn asked softly.

Narl shook his head. "Such a thing felt wrong to tell anyone but the King."

Thranduil rose and placed his hand on the broad shoulder of Narl. "Thank you Narl. For saving the Queen and for keeping your silence. " He turned to leave and was followed by Celeborn. Legolas smiled before he turned to leave but Elthian remained. He felt perplexed.

Having orc in her army had naturally felt off putting to him but what he saw here was a humble and loyal warrior in her service. "I would be proud to have you fighting by my side." He said and Narl looked up to him. Elthian smiled now and left as well.

"How is Minol?" Thranduil asked Celeborn.

"He is alive. Of course he is healing rather quickly and out of the woods. He should recover fully. Such a thing would have killed anyone else." Celeborn spoke lowly.

"Good I will need to speak with him first thing in the morning. We will need to remained camped for a day or so. Elthian what were our losses?" Thranduil turned to see Elthian lagging behind.

"Surprisingly very minimal. 2 elves and 10 humans lost their lives. The injured of course are higher in number. This seemed more like a distraction than an actual attack." Elthian sighed.

"indeed." Thranduil stopped before his tent. "Patrols are to remain heavy. Legolas see to that. Elthian You are ordered to rest."

"My Lord.." Elthian began to protest.

Thranduil cut him off. "I said you are ordered to rest Elthian do not decide to test me now."

"Apologies My Lord."

"Cousin please do what you can with the injured then rest." He looked to Celeborn before entering his tent.